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Real Housewife of Cheshire Ampika Pickston believes she has been ‘made a scapegoat’ after her children’s home was shut down due to ‘widespread safeguarding failures’

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Ampika Pickston, a star on Real Housewives of Cheshire, expressed her belief that she’s been unfairly targeted as a fall guy, following the permanent shutdown of the children’s home she established for at-risk young girls this week.

As a devoted follower, I express my concern about the potential consequences of the long-standing legal dispute over my professional life, which has unfortunately tarnished my reputation within NBCUniversal, the company I work for as a mother of one. I can’t help but worry that this may lead to my termination.

In conversation with TopMob, Ampika expressed that NBCUniversal prefers to distance themselves from such situations. He feels misrepresented, suggesting he is not fit to manage a children’s home.

‘I’ve been made a scapegoat and my name has been dragged through the mud.

If I had made a mistake, I would feel deeply embarrassed. However, there is absolutely nothing for me to be embarrassed about.

8 managers at Moss Farm Care Home left within a span of 13 months, expressing reservations about Ampika’s competence in managing the facility.

In a hearing, it was reported that employees associated with the OnlyFans model were coerced into falsely claiming that child protection measures were in place at their workplace, according to testimony.

A high-ranking official from Ofsted testified that Ampika intentionally hindered the inspection process at Moss Farm by ordering staff members to conceal themselves behind closed doors during an Ofsted evaluation.

It’s claimed that some staff members didn’t know or approve of emails and statements being drafted under their names.

The main location of Ampika’s firm AP Care Homes Ltd, known as Moss Farm, was initially designed to serve as a residential care center catering to young girls aged 12 to 16.

Nevertheless, several employees disclosed to the authorities that Ms. Pickston intended to establish an unlicensed childcare facility, which is against the law. It is also reported that she had printed promotional materials for this venture.

The reality television personality continues to assert that she doesn’t play an active role in the management of the establishment on a daily basis.

Together with Dawn Ward, Leanne Brown, and Tanya Bardsley, Ampika quickly gained fame on The Real Housewives of Cheshire when it premiered in 2015.

Audience members found themselves deeply engrossed in the extravagant, dramatic lifestyles taking place within what’s known as the Golden Triangle, a region inhabited by numerous Premier League footballers.

In simple terms, Ampika serves as the chief executive officer for her own company, Ampika’s Aesthetics, which specializes in cosmetics training. Lately, due to her open relationship with David Sullivan, chairman of West Ham United football club and a man estimated to be worth over one billion pounds, she has gained some notoriety, similar to the term “Wag” (Wives and girlfriends).

Remarkably, she thrived despite being brought up primarily by her grand-foreman, William Fawcett, who lived until the age of 82 and resided in Oldham. Regrettably, her parents, whom she prefers not to identify, were largely absent during her formative years.

In July 2023, after deciding she wanted to contribute something meaningful, she established a home for young girls aged between eight and eighteen. She re-mortgaged her mansion to buy a five-bedroom farmhouse in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, and hired eight staff members to run it.

Ampika expressed that everyone has their unique purpose, and for her, it’s something she’s been eager to pursue due to her challenging childhood experiences.

My experiences with my parents were marked by a stormy dynamic. My father was scarcely present, leaving me feeling neglected, while my mother, originally from Thailand, seemed to view me as a means to secure a British passport rather than forging a deeper emotional bond.

Without my grandpa, who retired early to raise me starting at the age of four, I likely would have grown up within the foster care system.

‘But not everyone is lucky enough to have a loving grandfather to give them stability and safety.

In my mid-30s, I realized I had both the opportunity and means to design a lovely living space and contribute something meaningful.

I didn’t get involved for the sole purpose of making a fast profit. Instead, I continue to hold onto the property, a charming home nestled among the picturesque hills of Cheshire, complete with a neighboring petting farm.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I find myself captivated by this opulent dwelling – one that seems to resonate deeply within me. Perhaps my heartstrings were tugged a bit too hard due to its warm and loving ambiance, but it’s the kind of home that would have ignited my dreams as a young girl.

Problems at the care home began to emerge just a few months after it opened.

In the month of November 2023, inspectors from Ofsted graded it as ‘ineffective’, and they documented: ‘significant and extensive lapses in safety measures’.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but notice the glaring concerns that have been brought to light in the latest report. It appears there’s an absence of consistent leadership, questionable hiring methods, and a severe lack of staff development opportunities – these are issues that need immediate attention!

Meanwhile, Ampika faced criticism as she displayed the care home to her 248,000 Instagram followers, and brought a child back to her residence in Cheshire. This action was disapproved of by an Ofsted inspector, who believed it was inappropriate and should not have occurred.

In March 2024, it was decided that AP Care Homes Limited no longer had the right to continue with their regulated activities. This week, a tribunal judge confirmed the decision to revoke their registration.

Initially, Ampika contested the verdict, but the First-tier Tribunal (specializing in Health, Education, and Social Care) decided that her registration would not be restored.

The judge, Siobhan Goodrich, and her panel determined that there is a considerable threat to the children’s health, welfare, and safety.

Ampika feels her reality TV background counted against her from the start, however.

She shared the reason for inviting the fragile child into her home by saying: “My son phoned me to report that he’d misplaced our pet dog, which seemed to be running around the outskirts of a golf course. Upon hearing this, she exclaimed, ‘May I join you? I really want to find Billy.’

‘I said, ‘Not a problem.’

After locating the dog, the child requested water and a bathroom break, and we spent only about five minutes at my place along with a caregiver. Following this brief visit, we returned to the care facility.

‘I feel like I’ve committed a crime, but it was an act of compassion.

On Tuesdays, we would take our kids and their caretakers out, but one child hadn’t ever experienced dining at a Chinese restaurant or even encountered a napkin before.

Several kids expressed that the place felt like their permanent abode, and upon moving out, they intended to seek employment there since they were so contented.

In light of the scarcity of quality homes available, I find it troubling that I’m facing such criticism. It seems evident that there may be significant flaws within the system designed to house us all.

‘But if you challenge Oftsted, they persecute you.

As a devoted admirer, I couldn’t help but feel utterly stunned when my trusted trio of seasoned professionals, who I believed had formed an unbeatable team, decided to shutter the establishment we all held dear.

It seems they dislike individuals who question them, and I’m aware that they have issues with those who possess substantial online influence.

Simplifying things significantly, let’s examine the fundamental aspects of this house: Four children live within its walls. Finding suitable replacements for the staff has been an arduous task, especially with the looming threat of a notice to close the home, which feels much like receiving a death sentence.

I’ve been labeled unfit for managing a children’s home, but this is merely unfair bias, judgment, and generalizations about individuals.

Inspectors should understand that being on Real Housewives of Cheshire is our work, and we’re compensated for generating tension – it’s all part of the role we play.

In the realm of television, anyone who is well-versed will tell you to approach information with a degree of skepticism.

Considering the details: The amount I invested to ensure my house met regulations, combined with the tribunal judge’s statement that I established it with noble intentions.

‘There’s a huge sense of injustice and what they did is disproportionate and unmeasured.

I plan to lease the farmhouse to a different children’s home organization, ensuring that it serves a beneficial purpose instead.

‘I’m still sitting here. I’ve got things I can sell and it’s not about the money, really.

It’s clear that I must have found my strength somewhere, as I often find myself reflecting on the news which helps me appreciate the good in my life since it reminds me of all the hardships faced by people worldwide.

With an alarming number of poorly managed houses remaining operational, there is a significant shortage even as demand continues to rise. So, the question becomes: Why aren’t we inquiring more about how to improve this situation?

‘In my view, the system is completely broken and something needs to be done about it.’

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2025-06-18 17:06

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